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Moving? Consider These 5 Cities With Low Crime Rates

Before you pack the U-Haul, evaluate the crime statistics of your new hometown. No matter how exciting a new city may seem—safety should be top of mind.

SmartAsset conducted a survey this year to identify “The Safest Cities in America.” The study evaluated the largest 200 cities in America based on six unique credentials—from violent crime to excessive drinking habits.

Take a look at the top five safest cities below based on rankings.

1. Sunnyvale, CA (Closest City: San Jose)

Sunnyvale’s name is fitting—according to SmartAsset, it’s the safest city in America.

The Silicon Valley city (home to Yahoo! and other major tech companies) features below-average crime rates and a “vehicular mortality rate less than a third the national average,” according to the study. Furthermore, the city’s drug use is surprisingly low—one of the lowest of any U.S. county.

The city of Sunnyvale also boasts “efficient, high-quality city services, quality schools and 18 prize-winning parks.”

2. Honolulu, HI

It won’t take much to convince your family to move to Hawaii. Island life is not only pure tropical bliss, but it’s safe too.

Honolulu’s population reaches just under 400,000 residents, and just 0.23% of the population commits violent crimes each year. With the enjoyable weather year-round, many residents walk, ride a bike or take public transit to work each day. This cuts down on vehicular accidents across the city.

3. Bellevue, WA (Closest City: Seattle)

The city has welcomed 14,000 new residents in just four years, boasting one of the highest population growth rates in America. Despite population growth, the city has remained safe with just 0.12% of the population committing violent crimes annually.

According to SafeWise, Bellevue is one of few cities in Washington to use CrimeMapping.com to keep residents up-to-date on crime statistics and information throughout the local area.

4. Cary, NC (Closest City: Raleigh, NC)

Located just out of Raleigh, Cary residents enjoy the benefits of urban living without the risks associated with high population density.

Cary features one of the lowest violent crime rates of any top American city. The town is known as one of the best cities to raise a family or retire. Just 84 per 100,000 residents commit violent acts each year versus Charlotte, another major city, “where the crime rate is 648 per 100,000 residents,” according to the survey.

5. Alexandria, VA (Closest City: Washington D.C.)

There’s no question that Washington D.C. is a hotspot for political activity and crime in the U.S. The capital city comes in at number 29 of the most dangerous cities in the country.

Fortunately, your family can move to Alexandria, VA. It’s easy and safe to reach Washington D.C. from Alexandria. Most importantly, Alexandria citizens have less than 0.2% chance of being a victim of a violent crime, and just a 2% chance of being a victim of a property crime, according to a SafeWise report

Your next hometown may be safe, but no city is completely immune from crime. Reach out to your local Vector Security dealer to equip your house with monitored alarms, locks and other safety devices to protect your family—regardless of your zip code.

Do you live in a safe city? Share your recommendations in the comments below!